If there is any place that epitomizes romance and love it’s Paris, France. With its stunning architecture, old-world charm, history and elegant style, Paris is a dream destination for many couples.

When

No matter what your style, Kimberley Petyt author of the forthcoming book The Paris Wedding and owner of parisian events, says Paris is a beautiful place for a wedding, especially in early spring.

“Everything is in flower, the city is waking up , the days are getting longer and it’s just a really beautiful time to be in Paris,” she says. “Whether your style is soft and romantic or more hip and downtown, there’s a Paris wedding location for you, from private chapels to galleries to quiet gardens.”

How

Although it may sound dreamy, getting married in Paris might not be the fairytale you imagine. There are quite a few legal requirements and it takes more than a simple phone call to the French embassy.

The process takes some organization and documentation on your part. You will need: to have have lived in France (near the proposed wedding location) for a minimum of 40 consecutive days; two pieces of identification that proved you lived there, such as a lease, utility bill or French social security card; required documents presented to the city hall where you plan to get married, and information on your witnesses. (Go here for the entire list.)

Petyt says many of her clients have a civil ceremony in their home country then a symbolic ceremony in Paris to cut down on the paper work.

Where

In terms of picking a spot for a Paris wedding, The Eiffel Tower may seem like the quintessential icon, as well a Notre Dame Cathedral, but because they are public national monuments they are not often rented out for private occasions. You will, of course, be able to take breathtaking photos near these landmarks; however, a wedding on top of the Eiffel Tower or inside a historical cathedral may not be in the cards. There are many beautiful spots in Paris to choose from that aren’t crowd-filled monuments.

You will have to decide what type of ceremony you would like to have in Paris.

A civil ceremony–legally binding–usually takes place at town hall and is performed by the mayor or legal representative. You can have the civil ceremony in France or your home country. Keep in mind that France is a traditional Catholic country and many parishes are rather traditional and rooted in their communities. A symbolic ceremony is a symbolic renewal of vows after an official civil or Catholic ceremony.

To be married in a Catholic church in France you need: a letter from your home parish priest and Bishop, Baptism and Confirmation certificates and a marriage certificate from your civil ceremony.

Petyt suggests planning 3-4 months in advance for a small elopement and 6 months to a year for a larger wedding.

A small Paris wedding with less than 20 people can cost less than an extravagant at-home wedding, but trying to make it happen for less than $1,000 is a little unrealistic. Additional costs and taxes you may not find in North America may creep up as well. Petyt says the fees for the paper work cost up to 350 euros not including taxes and social charges.

Don’t let the process discourage you. Your consulate–and wedding planner–are there to help you through each step of the way. Weddings take a bit of work no matter where you go, so if your heart is set on Paris, by all means, go for it!

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Posted by Doreen Marowitz on December 2nd, 2013 at 10:38pm

We are thinking of getting married in Paris. We were going to have a big wedding but now are thinking differently. I am not sure the Eiffel Tower is we're I want to have it because of the open public traffic. Can you send me some other places to get married in Paris. Beautiful parks etc.
Thank you,
Doreen

We plan on getting married the first week in May 2014. We are flying in on May 5th and staying at the Marriott., then we are going to Greece for 10 days. Maybe Greece would be better? Any suggestions?

Posted by Claire on April 2nd, 2014 at 11:05am

Hello, I am a wedding officiant in Paris and these are a few places that are very nice for a small romantic wedding ceremony:

> Le Champs de Mars: the closest to the Eiffel Tower
This large public greenspace is right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

> Montmartre: the old Paris
Besides the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, Montmartre is the place where many famous artists have worked. If you walk away from the crowd, you will find a village-like atmosphere.

> Le Parc de Belleville: far away from the crowd
Away from the touristic spots: a beautiful parc with classic Parisian streets and a terrace that provides a panoramic view of the city.

> Le Louvre: the Royal Palace
This was the palace of many French kings before it was turned into a museum. The ceremony can be held right outside where there are beautiful fountains, a carousel, and a parc.

Hope this helps!

Posted by paris smallwood on May 2nd, 2014 at 5:07am

hi. we are looking to get married & would be the perfect place in paris . how would be get details of this ? many thanks paris....

Posted by Lily on March 24th, 2015 at 11:54am

Hi my name is lily and I'm thinking to get married in paris I woul love to have my ceremony in Le louvre. I wanted to be a very small wedding I'm talking just my kids and a couple of friends probably 5 people plus my two kids. I want to be more like just my husband and I. Where will the the perfect place for ceremony, restaurants and places to take photos at? And Ofcurse how much will approximately will be the cost?

Posted by Claire on March 30th, 2015 at 8:53am

Hi

My partner and myself would like to get married in Paris but we live in the UK would
this still be possible we just adore your city and have so many special memories
together in Paris if you could help me with this is would be apprieciated many thanks in advance

Thank you claire x

Posted by candis aaron on April 16th, 2015 at 2:30am

im tryin to find out where do i go at to get married at a justice of peace in paris

Posted by MIchelle on November 25th, 2015 at 9:13pm

Hi there! I was wondering if getting married in Paris at Parc Monceau with approximately 10 people, would a permit be required? Also, do you know if we would need permits in order to take pictures with a professional photographer throughout Paris? I really dont want to risk getting the wedding interupted for lack of permits!!! If you need them, do you know where I would obtain them?

Thanks!

Posted by Carolina on November 28th, 2015 at 10:43pm

Hi! We are going on vacations on july 2016 we are both argentinians and i would like to know if we can get married in Paris

Posted by Albert Ortiz on February 24th, 2016 at 9:04pm

I need information on a wedding in May 2016..

Posted by Nikki on April 10th, 2016 at 7:48am

Hi we are planning to holiday in Paris in a few months can we attend a chapel. And get legally married.

Posted by Linda Bolds on November 7th, 2016 at 5:11pm

Do you need permits to have a wedding ceremony in one of the. Any Paris city Parks? If you do, how do you obtain them?

Posted by helen Krieber on March 5th, 2017 at 5:42pm

NEED INFORMATION PLEASE TO GET MARRIED IN SEPT 2017.tHE BRIDE FROM CANADA AND THE GROOM FROM SCOTLAND. THE GROOM IS ROMAN CATHOLIC AND THE BRIDE IS PROTESTANT. VERY SMALL PARTY BRIDE AND GROOM AND ONE WITNESS.WOULD LIKE TO MARRY IN CHURCH ANY CHURCH WITH IN THE CITY.THANK YOU

Posted by John and Michael on May 28th, 2017 at 1:14pm

My partner and I would like to have a symbolic wedding in Paris. We are a same sex couple and not quite sure how to get this to "Happen" ... any suggestions?
Thanks!

Posted by Tammie Austin on March 11th, 2018 at 2:10pm

Hi, I thinking about getting married in Paris in November. Can you send me details on places and cost. It only going to be the groom and I.